Why Bibs or why shorts? Why????
 

I rarely am out for more than 4 hours.

Gym shorts and whitey tighties. Just ask Larry.

Always bibs

NOT shorts.

Why?

They stay in place and are far more comfortable.

I'll be the contrarian. I have both. I'll wear the shorts for rides of up to 25 miles, and the bibs for anything longer. But, that's more a matter of the chamois as the pads in the shorts is not as good as the pads in my bibs.

In hot weather, I actually find the shorts are cooler as I can often feel the radiant heat through the black strap fabric. If you go with bibs, I'd get some with the white straps since you live in the tropics.

Shorts for me. I don't need any straps to hold them in place. Sizing is also an issue. I've heard of riders that use shorts and suspenders. That's a cheaper option and the best of both worlds, I guess.

I'm pretty sure there's been already been a thread on this topic.

Bring back a zombie.

Shorts. My aerobelly holds them in place, no suspenders needed.

Same for me. :D

Bibs. You only have to see one or two "plumbers" out on the road to know why.

But those guys would be wearing the see through bibs. Plumber's butt is more a matter of upbringing and self-awareness than it is a matter of shorts or bibs.

Happy to help:

Except the bibs don't have the waistband issue that plagues many.

In that case shorts with suspenders could be the worst of both worlds.

Plumbers butt is worse than see through bibs. Plus, you know, sunburn...

See through bibs or shorts are traumatizing.

I wonder how many plumbers in the world are named Harry?

It's personal preference. I prefer bibs because they are more comfortable.

Both have their upsides.

Shorts: less expensive, easier to pee, no elastic on shoulder
Bibs: stay in place far better, no need for a snug waistband

I usually grab the bibs for longer rides to avoid some pressure around my waist, but could go either way for me. If I expect to spend some time off the bike hanging out, I might prefer shorts to skip the straps.

I've never tried cycling shorts. I'm curious though, how high-waisted are these usually? Are they designed like yoga pant waists or similar? Otherwise, taking a generic picture from behind, would there typically be a gap between jersey and short in this situation? Or is the implication that a typical cycling jersey isn't the top that one would choose if riding with non-bib shorts?

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...2323f2d042.jpg

No gap if worn correctly. The back rises higher than the front. Plus, the jersey is long enough in the back.

Not a bib/short to be worn on the local coffee ride.

both, why limit yourself?
...no tattoos, other than prior scars from off-bike excursions..

Both.
Sometimes MTB shorts over road bibs.

I want to fit into cycling culture.
Should I be tucking my jersey under my tightie whities?
Is that more aero? :foo: